Album Review: PGA Dreams by MP (1996)
If you’re a fan of raw, unfiltered electronic music with a kick, PGA Dreams by MP might just be your next obsession. Released in 1996 under the UK-based label Miditraks, this album dives headfirst into the Drum n Bass and Jungle scenes, genres that were exploding at the time. It’s not perfect, but it’s got character—and plenty of it.
The opening track, “Dreams,” is one I keep coming back to. It’s got this eerie, almost cinematic vibe that pulls you in right away. The beat builds slowly, layering in these glitchy synths and breakbeats that feel like they’re crawling out of a foggy rave somewhere in the early hours of the morning. You can tell MP wasn’t afraid to experiment here. It’s moody, unpredictable, and kinda haunting—like those nights where you’re lost in thought and don’t wanna snap out of it.
Then there’s “P.G.A.”—and yeah, it’s listed twice on the tracklist, which makes me think maybe MP was doubling down on how proud he was of it. Honestly? He had a point. This track slaps harder than most of its contemporaries. The bassline is filthy, the kind that rattles your chest if you’ve got a decent sound system. There’s a relentless energy here, with chopped-up drum patterns and samples that feel like they’re darting around you. It’s chaotic but sharp, like Jungle should be. If you’re into tracks that make you move without thinking too hard, this one’s for you.
What’s wild about PGA Dreams is how it feels both dated and timeless. The production screams ‘90s, sure, but there’s something about the rawness of it that still hits today. Maybe it’s because so much modern electronic music is polished to death. This album reminds you of what it’s like when someone just goes for it, no filters, no second-guessing.
Looking back, it’s kinda funny how understated this release was. Miditraks wasn’t exactly a powerhouse label, and MP isn’t a name you hear tossed around much these days. But albums like PGA Dreams are why digging through old crates—or, let’s be real, Bandcamp pages—is worth it. Sometimes, the best stuff flies under the radar. So grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let MP take you back to a time when Jungle ruled the underground—and maybe remind you why it still matters today.
Oh, and one last thing—don’t overthink the double listing of “P.G.A.” It’s quirky as hell, but honestly? That’s part of the charm.
